Senior Physician Assistant Salary in Coeur d'Alene, ID: $166,108 (2026)
Quick Answer:The top tier of physician assistants working in Coeur d'Alene, ID — those at or above the 90th percentile — pull in $166,108/year or more for 2026, based on BLS OEWS 2025 estimates for SOC 29-1071. Strip back Coeur d'Alene's price premium (BEA RPP 98.3, 2% below national) and that top-decile pay carries the same buying power as $168,993 in average-cost America. The 19% spread above city median typically rewards 7+ years of practice or specialty credentials.
Official BLS data · View source
In 2026, the earning potential for senior physician assistants in Coeur d'Alene, Idaho, presents a significant opportunity for experienced professionals. With a median annual salary projected at $139,730, those who excel in their roles can aspire to earn considerably more, with the top earners (P90) reaching up to $166,108. This represents a notable gap of $26,378 between the median and top-tier compensation, highlighting the experience premium available in this market. Achieving such heights requires not only extensive experience—typically over seven years—but also the pursuit of advanced credentials and specialized training, which can differentiate candidates in a competitive environment.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Coeur d'Alene
Experienced physician assistants at the top of the pay scale in Coeur d'Alene earn between $158,100 and $166,108 per year (2026 est.). This $58,232 range from 10th to 90th percentile reflects significant earnings potential growth over a career. The Coeur d'Alene median of $139,730 sits 0.47% below the US median.
Top PA Salary Comparison
| Level | Coeur d'Alene | National |
|---|---|---|
| Median (P50) | $139,730 | $140,391 |
| 75th Percentile | $158,100 | $169,424 |
| 90th Percentile (Top 10%) | $166,108 | $196,597 |
In Coeur d'Alene, experienced physician assistants (P90) earn 18.88% more than the local median — reflecting the significant value of specialization and tenure in this market.
What Drives Top Physician Assistant Pay in Coeur d'Alene
Advanced Certifications in Idaho
ID physician assistants with additional specialty certifications within the physician assistant field earn significantly above the $139,730 median. Expanded-scope credentials are increasingly valued by Coeur d'Alene employers.
Specialty Focus
Physician Assistants focusing on high-acuity or specialty areas within the physician assistant field in Coeur d'Alene command premium compensation, often reaching the $158,100–$166,108 range.
Large Health-System & Multi-Site Experience
Large hospital systems and multi-site employers in the Coeur d'Alene metro area often pay above-market rates for experienced physician assistants who demonstrate efficiency and leadership.
Employer Loyalty & Patient Relationships
Long-tenured physician assistants in Coeur d'Alene with established relationships have strong negotiating leverage. In this developing market, retention bonuses and annual raises are common for top performers.
Continuing Education & Leadership
Physician Assistants in Idaho who pursue advanced degrees, mentor junior staff, or lead clinical education programs position themselves for the highest compensation tiers and management roles.
Physician Assistant Career & Wage Growth Path in Coeur d'Alene
Clinical Physician Assistant
0-5 yearsSenior/Lead Physician Assistant
5-10 yearsPhysician Assistant Department Manager
10+ yearsEducator / Specialty Leadership
AdvancedCoeur d'Alene ranks #13 of 16 Idaho cities for top earner physician assistant salary (90th percentile: $166,108).
Top 10% physician assistant compensation in Coeur d'Alene ($166,108) is 2% below the Idaho average P90 ($169,503).
2019 BLS Actual
$171,140
2025 BLS Actual
$160,770
2026 Current Est.
$166,108
2019–2027 Growth
+0.3%
Salary Trajectory for Physician Assistants in Coeur d'Alene (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.32% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $171,140 | Actual |
| 2020 | $177,970 | Actual |
| 2021 | $170,190 | Actual |
| 2022 | $160,240 | Actual |
| 2023 | $151,300 | Actual |
| 2024 | $156,060 | Actual |
| 2025 | $160,770 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $166,108 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $171,622 | Projected |
Top-earning physician assistants (90th percentile) in Coeur d'Alene saw their compensation grow -6.1% from $171,140 in 2019 to $160,770 in 2025, based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for this metropolitan area. At a 3.32% annual growth rate, senior-level pay is projected to reach $171,622 by 2027, reflecting continued demand for clinical expertise and expanded-function credentials.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Coeur d'Alene metropolitan area, sourced from annual Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics surveys. 2026–2026 figures are current estimates, and 2027 values are projections, calculated using a 3.32% CAGR derived from 7-year BLS historical data. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, certifications, and local market conditions.
Maximizing Your Physician Assistant Earnings in Coeur d'Alene
Focusing on the distinct specialties that drive premium pay in Coeur d'Alene, surgical physician assistants in orthopedics, cardiothoracic, and neurosurgery, along with those in emergency medicine and dermatology, typically command higher salaries. The type of employer also significantly influences compensation; while hospital systems generally offer structured W-2 salary packages, positions in surgical specialty practices and urgent care facilities may provide compelling 1099 arrangements with variable pay. Moreover, adopting leadership roles, such as a lead PA or surgical first assist coordinator, can advance one's career and pay. Gaining advanced credentials like a master's degree from an ARC-PA accredited program, NCCPA certification, and pursuing subspecialty qualifications can elevate one's standing in the job market. Non-salary compensation factors, including call coverage and RVU productivity bonuses, also contribute to the overall earnings of senior physician assistants in ID, making it essential for professionals to consider these elements in addition to base salary when evaluating opportunities.
More salary data for Coeur d'Alene, ID:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do experienced physician assistants make in Coeur d'Alene in 2026?
What drives higher physician assistant pay in Coeur d'Alene?
What certifications boost physician assistant salary in Coeur d'Alene?
Can experienced physician assistants make six figures in Coeur d'Alene?
How much does physician assistant salary increase over time in Coeur d'Alene?
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Written by Jessica Tran, MPAS, PA-C
Career Analyst
Jessica has 10 years of experience as a physician assistant. Her specialty is cardiology in an outpatient setting.
Methodology & Data Source
Top-earner salary figures on this page are 2026 projections derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. BLS reported a 90th percentile salary of $160,770 for physician assistants in the Coeur d'Alene metro area. A 3.32% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), calculated from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 senior-level compensation. Individual earnings depend on certifications, specialization, practice type, and years of clinical experience.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS, 7-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
2026 figures are projected from 2025 BLS data using a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 3.32%, derived from historical BLS wage trends for physician assistants (SOC 29-1071).
Compiled and verified by Jessica Tran, MPAS, PA-C, a licensed physician assistant with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov